Hello to Capital NECO

[12three45]

Hi everyone,

I used to be part of Carolina NECO, then moved to Hawaii for a few years and now in Alexandria VA. Kind of let my Car go native while I was in Hawaii and did not really take care of it. Now it needs some extra love and care.

Just wanted to say HI and will be asking questions often once I get sometime dedicated to car projects.

Project 1) Tune-up (what I should do/buy? Thinking new spark plugs and cables, PVC valve)

Project 2/3) Install BAT suspension system and new brake pads. (110K with same brake pads, but they are still good)

Project 4) New Fenders and head lights since a slight auto accident a couple years ago and my lights are really fogged over.

Project 5) New hood? Paint job (fortune teller told me to drive a black car)

How hard do you think these projects will be? I will be doing the work at Ft Belvior Hobby Shop (garage w/ all the tools)

Andy

[skater]

Welcome to Capital! (I just moved from Alexandria...funny coincidence.)

1. Spark plugs, wires, PCV never hurts, belts, fuel filter, air filter, transaxle fluid change, cabin air filter, etc. If you haven't done it, pull the UIM and clean it (tnkgurl is the expert on that). None of this is that expensive (except the wires), but it'll help a lot.

2/3. That's an AMAZING amount of miles on a set of brake pads. I was happy with 50K out of my first set. (I was less happy with the 16K I got out of the second set, but that was due to some weird brake problem.)

[DanG]

^^^ What he said. The most I've been able to get out of a set of brakes is around 60k- But I'm not all that "easy" on my brakes, as Kelly can attest to...

Do all of the above- Most of that should be done yearly (UIM/LIM cleaning, all filters, etc)... Wires & plugs every 60k max, check interval about 15k (once a year when you do the filters). Also run a can of BG44k through the tank to really clean everything out of the motor.

Also, oil & filter change! Welcome to Capital.

[12three45]

Thanks,

I do change my oil and filter regularly. I will have to do project 1 soon it looks like. What type of cables should I get? Stock or aftermarket?

Yeah, I am surprised my brakes are lasting this long. Though I do downshift to use the engine to help slow the car down with the use of the brakes.

How do you clean out the UIM?

Andy

[skater]

Stock wires. Be prepared, though - they're like $100/set. The Ford Racing wires are a lot cheaper, but a LOT of people have had problems with them. I have them now, but I'm planning to switch back to stock wires next time around.

For cleaning the UIM - you take off the 6 bolts holding it in, then the best thing to use is Brake Cleaner - it'll cut right through. Get some kind of brush to help. You'll need a couple new gaskets - one for the IAC valve, a set for the UIM itself, and one more I'm drawing a blank on. You can also remove the LIM and clean that, but be sure to get two LIM gaskets for that (the gaskets for the UIM itself come in a set of two, but the LIM gaskets come individually - no one knows why).

If you clean the LIM on the car, be careful not to get cleaner down into the intake (a little bit won't hurt...but do NOT overdo it).

[Topik]

welcome to capital!

[Moraki]

S+P has Ford Racing wires listed as discontinued, not sure if thats just him not carrying them anymore or if the production has been discontinued.

[DanG]

FYI- Stock wires through Bill J. are $55. Noice! ;)

[12three45]

Dan who is Bill J?

Should I get the standard Spark plugs or the dual/quad ones/platinum?

I would consider myself a novice at taking the car apart, do you think I would be able to take the UIM off and clean it by myself?

I have the Cilton Auto Guide, but I think it sucks. I really couldn't figure out the directions for the PVC valve removal. How hard it this to do? Looks like I would have to replace all the air hoses when I do this.

Does Capital NECO do those Mod meets I read about from the other clubs?

Thanks again.

Andy

[Topik]

Yeah we have mod meets. In fact I might plan one for june hopefully at my place in VA. We shall see how everything goes though.

[Topik]

And Bill J is our OEM parts discount guy. He pretty much can hook you up on any oem part for awesome price and will be there within the next couple days!

[DanG]

My disciple fails to give you his number, however!

Bill Jenkins
Team Ford
(800) 791-6436

Tell him we sent 'ya!

[Topik]

:disgust: :disgust: :disgust: :disgust:

[Moraki]

Cleaning the UIM was my 1st real thing i did to the cougar myself not includeing oil changes... It is do able by a novice. But advice and help you would get at a mod meet is always great.

And though you can get the plugs in with out removing the UIM, it can be easier when its off... so that would be a great time to replace the wires and plugs.

[12three45]

Thats Awesome, let me know if it happens.

Andy

[Moraki]

I'm going to a meet next weekend.... its in northern Indiana ... drop on by ;)

[DanG]

:disgust: :disgust: :disgust: :disgust:

:rofl:

The Force is strong with this one...

[Topik]

:rofl:

The Force is strong with this one...


Indeed.The force is strong with my mentor as well. :bowdown: